Tina Clarke was an eye-witness. The 55-year-old, of Ringland Close, said: “I heard screaming and shouting coming from the block of flats and then saw the flames coming out of the building.

“Then all I saw was the flashing lights of ambulances, police and firefighters.

“I was shocked to see the fire and I was concerned because I am good friends with the man who lived in the middle flat.

“I hope that the family on the bottom floor are OK and make a recovery. I do not know how they are or how the fire started because the police have been unable to tell us anything at this stage."

Desmond Mills, aged 60, of nearby Mynors Street, said: “I didn’t see any of the fire just the emergency services but I know that the three people were critical and that the man in the flat above jumped out of the window.

“The man who lives in the top flat was out which is really lucky and it is fortunate that everyone else made it out alive because you can see the damage to the stairwell. I don’t know what started the fire I just know that there has been a fire and that the emergency services will be here for a while.

“I just now hope that everyone involved makes a full and speedy recovery."

Ken Hayes, aged 57, of Dane Walk, said: “I heard the noise this morning and could see the flashing lights and flames.

“It was shocking to see a fire like that and the damage it has caused to the building. I am glad that they made it out alive and I hope that they are out of hospital soon."

Senior fire officer, Glynn Luznyj, from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue said: "Our crews were called early this morning to reports of a very severe fire. We were met with extremely difficult conditions.

"We gained access to the block of flats and there were three casualties who were administered CPR at the scene before being transferred to hospital.

"Crews also dealt with the severity of the fire and did a search of the building. A fourth casualty was rescued but his injuries are not life threatening.

"As a result of the fire people in neighbouring properties were evacuated and will now have to be rehoused for a short while.

"From our point of view, we now have to make sure the building is safe and we will be working at the scene with the police."

A spokesman for Staffordshire Police said: "The fire service has confirmed that all flats have been searched and all occupants are out of the building.

"At this stage six flats have been affected and so we are working with partners and the building owners to ascertain who lives in each flat. Suitable temporary arrangements for housing are also already in progress.

"If you know anything that can help us understand the circumstances of the fire, please contact 101 quoting incident number 134 of 1 October."